Depression

If you constantly feel down and disconnected from once-favorite activities and loved ones, you may have depression. At Blue Water Psychiatry in Mesa, Arizona, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners Justin McKinley, PMHNP-BC, Susan Bowen, PMHNP-BC, and their caring staff offer an array of depression treatments to improve your mood and help you return to your life with new perspectives. Call the office or book an appointment online to learn more about depression. 

What is depression?

Depression is one of the most common mood disorders — it causes ongoing feelings of despair and hopelessness. The condition can adversely affect your relationships, job, or grades at school. 

At Blue Water Psychiatry, the team understands how depression impacts life in a variety of ways, so they offer compassionate support to those experiencing its symptoms. 

What are the common symptoms of depression?

Some of the common signs and symptoms of depression include:

• Persistent sadness
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Appetite changes
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or shame
• Anxiety, fear, or ongoing worry
• Distancing yourself from friends and loved ones

Understanding the signs and symptoms of depression is an important first step toward healing. 

Once you’re reading to get started with depression treatment, reach out to the team at Blue Water Psychiatry. 

What are the risk factors for depression?

Anyone can experience depression. It may stem from genetic factors or life circumstances, such as bereavement, job loss, financial struggles, trauma, or relationship problems. 

Having anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or attention deficit disorder (ADD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or another mental health challenge may contribute to depression. The condition also tends to run in families. 

Ways to keep your depression risks low include maintaining a strong social support network, getting regular exercise, spending time outdoors, eating nutritious foods, and minimizing stress levels.

How is depression diagnosed?

To diagnose depression, the team at Blue Water Psychiatry asks about the symptoms you’re experiencing, medical history, and lifestyle habits. They may also ask about your current medication regimen.

The team also provides pharmacogenomic testing to determine which medicines work the best for your body.

How is depression treated?

The most common treatments for depression include lifestyle changes, medication management, psychotherapy (talk therapy), or combinations of these treatments. 

Blue Water Psychiatry personalizes each depression treatment based on your personal situation. They also offer Spravato® nasal spray for those experiencing treatment-resistant depression. 

To find out how you can benefit from depression treatments at Blue Water Psychiatry, call the office or book a consultation online today.